Ufenau Island

Ufenau lies in the upper basin of Lake Zurich, about eleven hectares, and has belonged to Einsiedeln Abbey since the tenth century - which is why it has never been built on. There are two churches: the parish church of St Peter and Paul, twelfth century on older foundations, and the small chapel of St Martin, with fragments of wall painting. Ulrich von Hutten, the German humanist and reformer, died here in 1523 while sheltering under Zwingli's protection, and his grave is on the island. The one inn, the Haus zu den zwei Raben, serves food to boat passengers. The island is a protected reserve, so it closes at dusk and camping, fires and swimming from the shore are not allowed.

What you actually see

• Two medieval churches - St Peter and Paul and the St Martin chapel.
• Abbey land since the tenth century - the reason nothing was ever built.
• Ulrich von Hutten's grave - the reformer who died here in 1523.
• One inn and nothing else - the single building serving visitors.

When to go

April to October. Half a day, on the boat timetable.

Honest expectations

Boats are seasonal and the last one back is early - missing it is a real problem. The island is small and an hour covers it. Swimming and camping are prohibited as a reserve. The inn is the only food and gets busy.

Nearby

Rapperswil and its castle are across the water; Einsiedeln Abbey is inland.